Educational Medication GuideRxClass: ACE Inhibitor

Benazepril

Generic Name: Benazepril

Common Brand Names: Lotensin

Dosage Form:Tablet

Route:Oral

Pregnancy Category:D

Last Reviewed:9/21/2026

Uses & Medical Indications

Treat high blood pressure

Medical Conditions Treated:

Hypertension

Work Mechanism & Pharmacology

How It Works

Patient Overview of Work Mechanism

Benazepril relaxes tight blood vessels and supports regular cardiac pumping, keeping blood pressure within a healthy range and protecting heart health.

Clinical Mechanism of Action (MoA)

Benazepril lowers elevated blood pressure and relieves myocardial workload by inducing systemic vasodilation, antagonizing adrenergic sympathetic tone, or inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis.

Primary TargetBenazepril hydrochloride

Therapeutic FamilyAntihypertensive

Administration RouteOral

Dosage & Administration Guidelines

Adult Dosage

10-40 mg daily

Pediatric Dosage

Safety not established under 6

Elderly / Geriatric Considerations

Start low

Maximum Dose Limit

80 mg/day

Renal Impairment:

Start at 5 mg if CrCl < 30

Hepatic Impairment:

N/A

Side Effects & Safety Warnings

Common Side Effects

Dry cough, headache, dizziness

Serious Adverse Reactions

Angioedema, hyperkalemia

Contraindications:

History of angioedema, pregnancy

Important Warnings & Precautions:

Risk of hyperkalemia

Interactions (Drugs, Food & Alcohol)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

ARBs, NSAIDs, Potassium supplements

Food & Dietary Interactions:

N/A

Alcohol Interaction Warning:

May increase hypotension

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety

Pregnancy Safety

Contraindicated

Breastfeeding / Lactation

Use caution

Patient Counseling & Practical Advice

How to Take:

Report facial swelling or persistent cough

What to Do if You Miss a Dose:

Take as soon as remembered

Recommended Monitoring & Lab Tests:

Blood pressure, potassium

Emergency Medical Warning

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Seek immediate emergency medical care (call emergency services or proceed to the nearest emergency department) if you experience signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis: facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling causing airway obstruction), severe cutaneous blistering with skin peeling, sudden intense chest pain, or symptoms of overdose.

Emergency Safety Protocol: If an intentional or accidental overdose is suspected, contact your regional Poison Control Center or emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless strictly advised by emergency healthcare personnel.

Educational Sources & References

Content for Benazepril was synthesized from standardized public health monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and health authorities:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) — National List of Essential Medicines
World Health Organization (WHO) — Model List of Essential Medicines
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Indian Pharmacopoeia Drug Monographs
National Health Service (NHS) — Medicines A to Z Clinical Guidelines

Published by: Medi Info Hub TeamLast Updated: 10/19/2026

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.